27243, Efland, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27243, Efland, North Carolina is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.27 percent of the residents in 27243 has some form of health insurance. 29.39 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.71 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 27243 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,428 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27243. An estimate of 9 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 989 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,445 health care providers accessible to residents in 27243, Efland, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Efland, NC (ZIP Code 27243)

This analysis assesses the healthcare landscape in Efland, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27243), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care, specifically examining the availability and quality of primary care services and the potential impact on patient outcomes. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" analysis, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice performance, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource integration. This analysis is not a definitive medical judgment but rather an overview of the healthcare environment.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care often begins with accessible and proactive primary care. Early detection through screening, risk assessment, and prompt referral to specialists are crucial. Therefore, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) within the Efland area is a critical starting point.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio for Efland requires accessing specific, up-to-date data. Publicly available resources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide insights, but often at a broader county level. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs, could translate into longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and potentially poorer outcomes for individuals at risk of, or diagnosed with, lung cancer. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility to primary care services.

**Primary Care Availability in Efland:**

The proximity of primary care practices to residents of Efland is a key factor. Are there multiple practices within the ZIP code, or do residents need to travel significant distances for routine checkups and preventative care? This geographic accessibility impacts the ease of access to care. The presence of a diverse range of PCPs, including family medicine, internal medicine, and potentially geriatric specialists, is also important. This diversity allows patients to choose a provider that best suits their individual needs and preferences.

**Standout Practices:**

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into individual practice performance. This would involve examining factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the implementation of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening (e.g., screening for high-risk individuals with a history of smoking), and the availability of ancillary services like on-site X-ray or laboratory testing. Ideally, a practice would have a strong track record of preventative care, early detection, and efficient referral processes.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine offers a significant advantage in rural areas like Efland, potentially mitigating geographical barriers to care. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices can improve access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring for patients with chronic conditions. The ability to conduct virtual visits can be particularly beneficial for individuals undergoing lung cancer treatment, reducing the need for frequent travel to specialist appointments. The availability of telemedicine services, the technology used, and the training of providers in using telemedicine are crucial considerations.

**Mental Health Resources:**

The emotional and psychological toll of a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment is significant. The integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is therefore a vital component of comprehensive care. Does the practice have integrated mental health services, or a strong referral network to mental health professionals? Access to counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care can significantly improve the quality of life for patients and their families. The availability of these resources can significantly impact the overall success of treatment and the patient's ability to cope with the disease.

**Lung Cancer Score Components:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Efland would be a composite measure reflecting the factors discussed above. It would consider:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** A higher ratio would positively influence the score.
* **Geographic Accessibility:** Proximity of primary care practices would positively influence the score.
* **Practice Performance:** High patient satisfaction scores, adherence to screening guidelines, and efficient referral processes would positively influence the score.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** The availability and utilization of telemedicine would positively influence the score.
* **Mental Health Integration:** The presence of integrated mental health services or a strong referral network would positively influence the score.

The final score would be a relative measure, allowing for comparison with other areas and highlighting areas for improvement.

**Specific Considerations for 27243:**

To generate a truly useful score, specific data collection is essential. This would involve:

* **Data Acquisition:** Gathering data from public sources (HRSA, state health departments), insurance providers, and potentially surveying local practices.
* **Practice Assessment:** Evaluating individual practices based on the criteria outlined above, potentially through patient surveys, online reviews, and practice websites.
* **Telemedicine Infrastructure:** Assessing the technological infrastructure available in the area.
* **Mental Health Resources:** Identifying the availability and accessibility of mental health services within the community.

This data-driven approach would provide a more accurate and actionable "Lung Cancer Score" for Efland, enabling informed decisions about healthcare access and resource allocation.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape in Efland, North Carolina, presents unique challenges and opportunities. The availability of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources are all critical factors in improving lung cancer outcomes. A comprehensive analysis, incorporating the factors outlined above, is essential to create a meaningful "Lung Cancer Score" and to identify areas for improvement.

**Call to Action:**

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Efland and gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing lung cancer care, explore the power of location-based data. Use CartoChrome maps to visualize physician locations, practice performance metrics, and the distribution of mental health resources. CartoChrome maps can provide a clear, interactive view of the healthcare environment, empowering informed decisions about access to care and resource allocation.